Philbin's Failure

[ForksPhin]

There is enough blame, and plenty of anger, to go around after yesterday's debacle in Buffalo. I still think that the final possession of the first half needs to be discussed further.

There was so much wrong with how Philbin handled this situation. The fact that he actually seemed proud to defend it today is sickening on so many levels.

First of all, we got the ball with 2:21 on the clock, down two scores (9-0). We had the ability to stop the clock 4 times - all 3 timeouts and the two-minute warning. So, there was no need to rush or call overly-aggressive plays (even though we have professed repeatedly that we are going to be an up-tempo team that puts pressure on the defense). The inconsistency of wanting to be an up-tempo offense, but not trusting the offense to run a two-minute offense is insane. In fact, this possession would need to be seen as a much better opportunity to score than other possessions during the normal course of the game - there is no normal game-situation possession where a coach would look to stop the clock 4 times. So, in actuality, the possession could have afforded the coaching staff more time to discuss play-calls.

Next, there is nothing to suggest that the Dolphins would be more likely to turn the ball over during this possession and go down 16-0 before the half, than they would be to turn the ball over during their opening possession of the second half.

In addition, think of the psychological impact. The Bills players now realize that Miami's coaches have absolutely no confidence in their offense. They put no pressure on the Bills defense to have to stop the Dolphins and protect their two-score lead. The Dolphins gave up on their opportunity to put points on the board before the half, and then take the lead on their opening second half possession. So, now the Bills know that no matter what Miami does on their first possession, the Bills will still be leading when they get the ball back in the second half. Nice knowledge for the Bills staff to possess. What does it say to the Miami offense, that their coaches have no faith in them? What does it say to the Miami defense, who has played well enough to hold the Bills to three FGs?

Next, you should NEVER give away a possession in any NFL game. No less a division game, on the road, when you are trailing by two scores.

I think that Hickey needs to sit down with Philbin immediately and find out exactly which players Philbin does not trust. And the next questions is if Philbin does not trust them, why are they playing?

You can't play scared in the NFL. You can't play scared against the Buffalo Bills.

This was a pathetic showing by Joe Philbin.

 

[SkapePhin]

Philbin is a high school teacher masquerading as a professional football coach. If you want some insight into his mentality, look no further than this article from when he was hired:

http://m.palmbeachpost.com/news/spo...ns-joe-philbin-didnt-call-plays-in-gre/nPs4Y/


Later on Monday, Philbin and his fellow offensive coaches would split up game plan responsibilities — third down, red zone, blitz, short yardage, goal line, etc. – and collaborate on Tuesday morning to put it all together in a PowerPoint presentation. Later on Tuesday, Philbin would present that week’s game plan to McCarthy, and then to the players in a meeting on Wednesday morning.

Everything about that presentation had to be perfect.

“If any PowerPoint slide had a spelling or grammar mistake, any typo, any scheme error, that was my responsibility, just like a teacher,” Philbin said.

---

He is more concerned with PowerPoint presentations and gum wrappers than actual on-field strategy and leadership. He is an administrator, not a leader of men.

It's about time people come to realize we are just spinning our wheels with this guy as head coach.

 

[andyahs]

You needed to start another long post to say this? Been beaten to death already.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[Yessir]

To sit on the ball like that, and run the clock out when you have essentially 4 times out is inexplicable. You can tell Bill Lazor was perplexed by the Philbin calling for that, he skirted around the question when asked about it.

Joe Philbin is not a head coach. Not in the least bit.

 

[jlfin]

Part of a coach's job is to be in tune with the psyche/mood of this team. It was obvious that the offense was shell shocked by the Bills defense and their energy level. RT was obviously rattled and was playing poorly.
They were down only 9 points.
The team needed to be settled down and adjustments had to be made. There was very little statistical chance that the offense could move the ball and score points before halftime. If RT throws an int while under duress or takes a sack/fumble and allows the Bills to get anothner another cheap score before halftime the morale of the team (and effectively the game) is lost.
Philbin knew they would get the ball 1st. He had to settle the team down, get them focused and make adjustments.
He was proven correct with the 1st drive to open the 2nd half. Unfortunately, his QB failed to make an accurate throw on back to back plays inside the red zone and they had to settle for a FG.
With adequate QB play the score should have been 16-14 heading into the 4th quarter with all the momentum on the side of the Phins.
Unfortunately, the defense allowed a long drive with very little resistance on the ensuing drive and the game was essentially over. The team also could not overcome all the special team gaffes.

 

[nyashfan]

I didn't see the game. Therefore, the question I would ask is with 2:21 remaining in the 1st half, how many time outs did the Bills have left? Because a failure to gain a 1st down by passing on all 3 downs likely leads to a Bills' short field and a larger halftime deficit.

Since the Dolphins overcame a 10 point halftime deficit against the Patriots, Philbin likely felt that a 9 point deficit to the Bills was manageable. The decision to be content with a 9-0 halftime deficit isn't the worst decision in the world given the lack of offensive production until then.

 

[ForksPhin]

You needed to start another long post to say this? Been beaten to death already.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Actually, yeah, I did. I don't think it has been beaten to death at all. Tannehill's performance has been beaten to death. Philbin's disgusting performance yesterday has not.

But thanks for the input.

 

[DolfanDuBbZ~]

Still says more about a Tannehill led offense. Once you lose confidence in your on field leader, days become numbered for all involved.

---------- Post added at 07:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 PM ----------

Actually, yeah, I did. I don't think it has been beaten to death at all. Tannehill's performance has been beaten to death. Philbin's disgusting performance yesterday has not.

But thanks for the input.

Actually it has been.

 

[JoeFin]

I didn't see the game. Therefore, the question I would ask is with 2:21 remaining in the 1st half, how many time outs did the Bills have left? Because a failure to gain a 1st down by passing on all 3 downs likely leads to a Bills' short field and a larger halftime deficit.
.

True enough, but they started making first downs. How many times have you seen that scenario -- a team decides to sit on it but then they see that they're moving the ball, so they step it up and try to make something of it.

 

[ForksPhin]

I didn't see the game. Therefore, the question I would ask is with 2:21 remaining in the 1st half, how many time outs did the Bills have left? Because a failure to gain a 1st down by passing on all 3 downs likely leads to a Bills' short field and a larger halftime deficit.

Since the Dolphins overcame a 10 point halftime deficit against the Patriots, Philbin likely felt that a 9 point deficit to the Bills was manageable. The decision to be content with a 9-0 halftime deficit isn't the worst decision in the world given the lack of offensive production until then.

Buffalo only had one timeout remaining. They had used two on their previous possession.

---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:42 PM ----------

Still says more about a Tannehill led offense. Once you lose confidence in your on field leader, days become numbered for all involved.

---------- Post added at 07:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 PM ----------



Actually it has been.

OK, let's discuss how we are going to crush the Chiefs (yeah, right). I guess we can move on. It is Monday after a brutal loss. No point discussing it. Whatever.

 

[DolfanDuBbZ~]

Buffalo only had one timeout remaining. They had used two on their previous possession.

---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:42 PM ----------



OK, let's discuss how we are going to crush the Chiefs (yeah, right). I guess we can move on. It is Monday after a brutal loss. No point discussing it. Whatever.

Just look at the threads today. I've commented in 3 previous threads....all about the 'decision'.

Can Miami beat KC, yep. Buffalo is a team Mia just doesn't matchup with right now. Kinda like the early 90s.

 

[ForksPhin]

Just look at the threads today. I've commented in 3 previous threads....all about the 'decision'.

Can Miami beat KC, yep. Buffalo is a team Mia just doesn't matchup with right now. Kinda like the early 90s.

OK, I guess the failings of our head coach aren't relevant enough to be discussed in more than 3 threads. Next, I am going to discuss how bad Jeff Ireland's drafts were, how Bill Parcells ruined this franchise, how JJ pushing Wannstedt on us was evil, etc etc.

Just give me a break. The game ended less than 30 hours ago.

 

[flynryan15]

No, but you could smash Rizi for how bad out special teams were. Or smash Coyle for allowing Will Davis to be anywhere near Sammy Watkins!

 

[39wildman]

I didn't see the game. Therefore, the question I would ask is with 2:21 remaining in the 1st half, how many time outs did the Bills have left? Because a failure to gain a 1st down by passing on all 3 downs likely leads to a Bills' short field and a larger halftime deficit.

Since the Dolphins overcame a 10 point halftime deficit against the Patriots, Philbin likely felt that a 9 point deficit to the Bills was manageable. The decision to be content with a 9-0 halftime deficit isn't the worst decision in the world given the lack of offensive production until then.

this was not patriots game it was like last yr game. honestly from watch jets play sunday they look allright to. It go be tough division this yr

 

[ForksPhin]

No, but you could smash Rizi for how bad out special teams were. Or smash Coyle for allowing Will Davis to be anywhere near Sammy Watkins!

I noticed Sammy Watkins having some success against Grimes, too. And Rizzi didn't let a punt him in the facemask. The blocked punt, shanks, Spiller return, muffed punt, etc. were physical errors by players. They were bad, but they happen. The Philbin decision to give away a possession with 2+ minutes and 3 timeouts was a completely mental, philosophical decision. It had nothing to do with a physical error, missed block, missed assignment.